Campus Notebook: May 23, 2014

Cambridge’s JSoc presidents Alex Davis and Marissa Green headed to their local Chinese Canteen on Wednesday to sample an intriguing dish — the curiously named Jew’s Ear. “We’re not in the habit of consuming body parts, but there was really nothing to be done but accept the challenge,” Alex explained, although he stressed that no Jewish ears were harmed in the culinary process. “It’s actually a fungus, and tastes like an Indian rubber with bones in it. Also a snail,” he said, while Marissa added: “It was a little bit grim. I give it one out of five.”

Tribe for life

Manchester Tribe held a sumptuous dinner for its 31 graduating members last week, with drinks and dumplings laid on by renowned Kosher-Chinese hotspot Pagoda. Students left their revision books behind and raised their glasses to the group’s achievements, before pulling faces inside the on-site photo booth. But according to Tribe’s executive director David Collins, the event was by no means a goodbye, as he encouraged guests to stay active in their communities once they left uni. A powerful incentive? Ongoing Tribe discounts for kosher restaurants.

Tribe graduates getting festive in the photo booth

Bling it on

Accessory-loving Oxford students were treated to a jewellery-making workshop with a difference last week, courtesy of chaplaincy. Lyn Waddington from the Dragon Fly-Cooperative came to speak about the benefits of social upcycling, explaining how her organisation makes and sells jewellery to provide IT solutions for under-resourced charities. Ethical jewels — what could be better?